MedlinePlus Drug Information: Fluoxymesterone

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Fluoxymesterone

(floo ox i mes' te rone)

Brand name(s): Halotestin

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Fluoxymesterone, an androgenic hormone, is similar to the male hormone testosterone. It is prescribed for males when this hormone is absent or low or to treat delayed onset of puberty in males. It also is used in females with certain kinds of breast cancer.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Fluoxymesterone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day or three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fluoxymesterone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take fluoxymesterone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking fluoxymesterone without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking fluoxymesterone,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fluoxymesterone, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), diabetes medications such as insulin, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; migraine headaches; heart, liver, or kidney disease; high blood cholesterol or fats; cancer of the breast; depression; enlarged prostate or prostate cancer; or any blood disorder.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fluoxymesterone, call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Fluoxymesterone may cause an upset stomach. Take fluoxymesterone with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Call your doctor for directions if you miss more than one dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from fluoxymesterone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

acne
enlargement of the breast
swelling or fluid retention
absence of menstrual periods
deepening of the voice or hoarseness
facial hair growth
headache
anxiety
depression
tingling, prickling, burning, or tight sensations
upset stomach
vomiting
increased number and/or duration of penile erections
decreased sperm production
increased blood cholesterol
increased blood calcium

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

skin rash, itching, or hives
difficulty breathing
yellowing of the skin or eyes
unusual or excessive bleeding
severe swelling or fluid retention
difficulty urinating (males)

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to fluoxymesterone.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer